Five Day Trips from Brasov You Should Take

Brasov is one of the best destinations in Romania if you’re planning to take more one-day trips across Transylvania. One of the main advantages is that you can easily reach this medieval old city from Bucharest, by train or car, not to mention the many historical houses offering accommodation right in the old town.

Plus, Brasov is just a short drive away from some of the fascinating landmarks of Transylvania whether you’re thinking of the breathtaking Carpathians or the fortified churches built by the Saxon colonists. Our insiders’ guide to the top five one day trips from Brasov will guide you in choosing the best options for your vacation in Transylvania.

Viscri

The most famous of all the fortified churches part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is only one hour by car from Brasov. A symbol of the Saxons of Transylvania cultural heritage, this splendid white church is only one of the attractions from Viscri where the traditional architecture, the craftsmen, the hand-made souvenirs, the agricultural landscape and the slow pace of life combine and create one of the most authentic villages in the country.

You’ll find plenty of things to do if you want to spend an entire day in the village. You can have lunch in one the guest houses that serve home-made food from organically grown ingredients, you can visit the local artisans, rent bikes, walk around the village or you can simply take your time to relax ages away from your busy life.

Sighisoara

Sighisoara, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, is next on our list. One of the classical options for day trips from Brasov, Sighisoara is about two hours away by car, but you can also take a direct train.

Included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sighisoara is one of the seven citadels founded in the medieval centuries by the Saxon colonists. A rich and free commercial town, Sighisoara had to defend itself in face of the devastating Ottoman and Mongol attacks. The best solution was fortifying the town, enclosing it completely with strong walls, towers and bastions that each guild was responsible for maintaining and protecting.

Most of the towers and parts of the fortification walls are still standing, offering an unparalleled image of life in a medieval town. The Church on the Hill, the Dominican Monastery and the Evangelical Cemetery complete the list of must-see attractions.

Hikes and bear observation

If you want to spend one day in nature, choose a hike in Piatra Craiului National Park. There are many trail options departing from Zarnesti, a small city you can reach in less than one hour by car or train. Plan your hike depending on the weather, and always consider your hiking equipment and experience. From easy and short hikes through villages like Pestera and Magura to more challenging climbs above 2,000 meters, this national park is our top nature choice for a day trips from Brasov.

If you go by car, start your day early morning and stop first at the Bear Sanctuary from Zarnesti, the largest in Europe, a true haven for bears saved from cruel captivity conditions. Book your visit a couple of days before if you’re visiting in winter time, the number of visitors is limited to disturb as less as possible the wild animals living in the sanctuary.

Cincu and Cincsor Villages

Half-way between Brasov and Sibiu, Cincu is a more off the beaten track destination, the perfect escape in rural Transylvania. Cincu will surprise you with its impressive 13th-century Romanesque basilica, one of the largest in Transylvania, and its architecture that resembles more of a small town than a village.

Until the Second World War, Cincu was a prosperous community, a solid tradition since the medieval centuries when the village had important political and administrative powers. Take your time to discover the village, rent a bike and visit also Cincsor, the neighboring village and its 14th century fortified church. For the best views of the village and Fagaras Mountains, bike or drive towards Agnita.

Tour the medieval fortresses

The medieval fortresses of Transylvania were once the first and most important defensive structure of this region that was hundreds of years ago constantly attacked by the Ottomans on their way to Central Europe. Most of them were completely destroyed, while others survived sieges, earthquakes, fires and ruin. Taking day trips from Brasov is maybe the best way to see some of the most famous fortresses in Transylvania: Rasnov, Bran and Rupea.

Start with Rasnov and Bran, both built in the 14th century by the Saxon colonists, and continue with Rupea, the snail-shaped fortress that rises on an abrupt basalt rock half-way between Brasov and Sighisoara.

If you still have enough daytime, drive to Saschiz and take a half an hour walk uphill to explore the ruins of the 14th-century fortress that was once used to defend the village. This will definitely be an adventure as the ruined fortress is completely abandoned. It will be just you and the panoramic view over Saschiz.

These fortresses are included in our one day tours from Bucharest or Brasov.

Brasov offers so many options for curious travelers. Spend at least three nights in the city and take as many day trips from Brasov as you can. You can be sure it will be one of your most memorable vacations.

About the author

Diana is a tourism consultant, tour guide, travel writer and amateur photographer, focusing on sustainable tourism practices and destinations. You can find Diana Condrea on Twitter and Google+